The Walt Disney Company
A Dyslexia Business Case
Social Intrapreneur Initiative
Designing From Dyslexia
A Business Case
1. Problem & Project
Dyslexia is a learning disability creating challenges in reading & spelling
​
impacting 15-20% of the population
thus the most common disability yet widely misunderstood & under-diagnosed
without early intervention, outcomes range from chronic struggles to failing out of society ​
​
Project Dysnie was born: a Disney Social Innovation Initiative aimed at Dyslexia Empowerment. through innovative products, inspiring content and Dyslexia community engagement.
2. Approach & Results
Open Innovation approach, from conception via design thinking with experts and community, to co creating with partners, leading to:
​​
Dyslexia friendly books for children – from beginner to advanced readers – across multiple format including storybooks, audio novels and innovative and enriched eBook tailored to needs to the delight of parents and their children ​
​
Disney Channel short & episodic content with Dyslexia story-line and characters
​
Internship program for Dyslexic teens
3. Benefits to Company
Innovative & inclusive books beneficial to many, reaching under-served consumers and creating additional revenue streams​
​
Original storytelling and wider representation ​
​
Positive media reaction and significant media value generated ​
​​
Awareness both internally and externally, triggering discussions about broader learning disabilities impact on employees, parents​ & customers
​
Concrete deliverables – product and content – in line with diversity & inclusion mission and corporate responsibly values
​
Publishing partners expanding beyond Disney initiative to Education sector
